Rose’s skeptical look told him he hadn’t quite managed it. “Will you gentlemen be doing the cooking?”
“I’m game. What about you guys?” Donovan looked from Tyler to Xavier.
“Sure.” Xavier slid a glance toward Lily. The Beharie sister didn’t seem to notice.
“All right, but maybe we should have it at my place.” Tyler gave Donovan a pointed look. “At least we’d be confident of having clean dishes.”
Good-natured laughter swept the table. Rose’s soft, husky chuckles captivated Donovan. He could listen to her laughter for hours. And he could look at her for days, maybe forever? Her honey-toned features glowed; her warm, chocolate eyes sparkled. She was so different from the woman he’d met during lunch with Tyler and Iris. That woman put ice in his heart. This woman could steal it. The realization caused Donovan a frisson of unease.
* * *
Donovan settled onto his usual chair in front of Xavier’s desk Thursday morning. Tyler was on the guest chair beside him. It was just before eight o’clock the morning after their dinner with the Beharie sisters.
“I’m glad you and Rose are able to help each other.” Tyler cocked his head. “I’m sure that’s lifted a weight from your shoulders.”
“It has.” That was one problem handled. But there were always others demanding attention.
Tyler sipped his coffee. “Does she know about your past?”
The question cast a shadow over the memory of last night’s great food and even better company. “I haven’t told her that I used to be homeless, if that’s what you mean.”
“Why not?” Xavier asked. “You don’t have anything to be ashamed of.”
“I know that.” Donovan hadn’t meant to sound defensive.
“You were a kid.” Tyler shifted toward Donovan. “What happened to your family wasn’t your parents’ fault.”
“The fact that my family wasn’t to blame hasn’t mattered to the women I’ve dated.” Donovan stared into his oversize mug of coffee. He barely noticed the scent of dry-roasted coffee beans. “Once I tell them my family had been homeless at one point, they disappear.”
Would Rose?
“Iris wouldn’t react that way.” Tyler’s voice was adamant. “She’s not judgmental. I don’t think Rose and Lily are, either.”
Xavier spread his hands. “And even if we’re wrong, you and Rose are just pretending to be in a relationship. Why are you worried about her breaking up with you?”
Donovan shook off his irritation. Just because their relationship was fake didn’t mean he couldn’t enjoy it. “Rose wouldn’t want her boyfriend—real or fake—to have a questionable past.”
“Rose isn’t a snob, and you don’t have a questionable past.” Tyler drank more coffee.
Donovan blew a breath. “You’re basing your assumption about Rose on what you know about Iris. Just because Iris isn’t a snob doesn’t mean her sisters aren’t.”
“Lily’s not a snob.” Xavier’s voice was flat.
“You don’t even know her.” Donovan held Xavier’s gaze. “I know you’re attracted to Lily. Rose is a very beautiful woman, too. But experience has taught me that outer beauty isn’t an indication of what’s inside.”
“Experience has taught me the same.” Xavier’s tone was dry.
“I didn’t mean to bring that up.” Donovan exhaled, rubbing his forehead.
“Don’t worry about it.” Xavier cradled his coffee mug. “I may not have a great track record when it comes to reading other people, but I’m sure Ty and I are right.”
“Besides, you’re not homeless now.” Tyler shrugged a shoulder. “In fact, most people would consider you to be successful.”
Xavier gestured toward Donovan with his free hand. “You’re the vice president of sales for a multimillion-dollar company. Your past doesn’t matter.”
“Not to the two of you but it has to others.” Donovan arched an eyebrow.
Xavier met his gaze. “You should tell her about your past. Don’t risk having her hear about it from someone else.”